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Melanoma

In recent years, parents have been advised more and more often to use sunscreen on their children when they are at the beach, when they play outside, and any other time they may be exposed to the sun. Some parents also make sure to dress their kids for minimum sun exposure and have them wear hats as well.

The sun is inarguably good for you. It helps your body manufacture vitamin D in addition to providing many other needed health benefits. But, as we know, the sun can also be dangerous.

The most dangerous form of skin cancer

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. It's primarily caused by sun exposure, or, more specifically, exposure to UV rays like those from the sun and from artificial light sources. Although genetics may be one factor that makes some people more susceptible to melanoma than others, precaution is the key to prevention.

Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in adolescents

The rate of melanoma in Australia is very high. In fact, young people in Australia have a higher rate of melanoma than anywhere else in the world. To help your child avoid skin cancer, it's important to take precautions now.

How to spot melanoma

Melanoma appears as a spot on the skin, or a change in a spot, like a mole or freckle, that is already there. An existing spot may become irregular, get larger, become itchy, or begin to bleed. Melanoma can remain undetected for long periods, allowing it to spread to other parts of the body. It's usually diagnosed during a visual examination followed by a biopsy.

A good prognosis

The prognosis for melanoma is good, especially when it is caught early. Treatment may include removal of the spot, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy. If your child has had melanoma, she will have to have regular checkups so that the doctor can look for new spots. Melanoma can come back, especially if the habits that caused it don't change.